Groundwork suggestions?

Question

Suggestions for groundwork that I can do with a 6-year-old (but bombproof) horse? I am not sure of what he knows, but know that he used to be a carriage horse. I only have a regular lead line, but may have access to a lunge line and lunge whip if I ask the owner to leave them for me. I have permission to do this but she doesn't leave her equipment at the barn... and I'm not sure if I feel comfortable longeing the horse by myself because I don't have much experience with that and he hasn't been worked for a while (thus really needs to be motivated), but otherwise am fine with working on the ground with them. Riding isn't really an option currently so I'm looking for small stuff that I can do. I was thinking of simple stuff like getting him to listen more, and back up better on command from the ground, as well as move sideways on command... what else? Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't have to have a 'lunge line' to lunge a horse.  Using a piece of rope does the same thing.

Find a crop or small whip and teach him to sidepass, turn on the forehand, or a haunch turn from the ground.  The whip is a cue...an extension of your arm...not a beating or hitting tool.

Work on backing up.

Work on leading him on the offside

Work on the forehand turns, haunch turns, and sidepasses from the offside.

Work on trotting with him and stopping immediately when you do or say whoa...instead of pushing ahead of you.

Work on trotting immediately from a stop.

Find obstacles for the horse to negotiate while you are leading...could be OVER things like poles or trees.  THROUGH things like poles set in a pattern on the ground.

You can do trot poles from the ground

Make little bridges or steps for the horse to work on and over.

Teach him to tie...if he needs it.

Desensitize to clippers, water, sprayers, plastic bags...whatever you may come across...

Lots of things...Just keep thinking of things...but be safe!!

Answer 2

if you are uncomfortable with lounging then ask the owner to show u

Answer 3

Just walk him around. See if he stops when you stop, and turns when you turn. Back him up with as little pressure as possible. To make him move side ways, put pressure on his side, where your feet would go when you ride him, and see how he responds. Lunge him slowly, if you do at all. If you hae access to a round pen, I would do that in there.